Every now and then, I get asked to donate my services for a cause I just can’t say no to. When I was asked to help out with the Strength For Novalee fundraiser, I knew this was one of those times. Novalee is a little girl who has a rare brain malformation called Lissencephaly. Along with severe neurological impairment, Novalee suffers from up to 100 seizures a day. At least she did until she was put on a new medication that has reduced the number of seizures to about 30 a day. However, this medication is very expensive and that’s why Novalee’s mom, Misty, decided to host a small fundraiser for friends and family members.
However, word about this event quickly spread. The newspapers in their area got word of it and soon, over 200 tickets were sold. Almost 100 prizes were donated for the silent auction and raffle, and volunteers provided everything from desserts to a $5 photo-booth to Jell-O Shots. Johanna was even recruited at the last minute to play photographer when their scheduled volunteer could not make it on time. Thanks to her new DSLR camera, she got some great shots for Misty and was even asked by the reporter who showed up from the CV Weekly to send some of her photos over for a newspaper article.
The theme was Mardi Gras, and the Elks Lodge in Tujunga was decorated with purple, gold, and green balloons, streamers, beads, feathers, and masks. The guests showed up in a variety of festive costumes and outfits, and the festive atmosphere really livened up the party. Lots of money was raised, lots of fun was had, and in the end, Misty and Novalee were blessed to have the support of not only their friends and family but also the community at large. It was my pleasure and honor to lend my voice and music to this wonderful cause.
Please visit the Strength For Novalee Facebook Page for more details and to follow the story of this beautiful little girl: https://www.facebook.com/StrengthforNovalee
